Where do mosquitoes come from? How to get rid of mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes have been responsible for more human deaths than all other dangerous animals combined!

Mosquitoes have been responsible for more human deaths than all the other dangerous animals combined!
Mosquitoes spread deadly disease such as West Nile, Malaria, Yellow Fever and many others.


	There are about 3,500 different species of mosquitoes found throughout the world!
Mosquito (from the Spanish or Portuguese meaning little fly) is a common insect in the family Culicidae. Mosquitoes resemble crane flies and chironomid flies, with which they are sometimes confused by the casual observer. Mosquitoes prefer tropical and subtropical regions. They enjoy hiding in hedges, landscaping, under homes, under raised decks and anywhere near water. Learn more about their hiding spots by clicking here.


	The female mosquito is the culprit biting us in order to support her reproductive system!
Mosquitoes have mouthparts that are adapted for piercing the skin of plants and animals. While males typically feed on nectar and plant juices, the female needs to obtain nutrients from a "blood meal" before she can produce eggs. The female will often feed on sugary nectar only for energy. All her other nutrients comes from using a powerful semiochemical called nonanal. Mosquitoes are attracted to victims by their smell and the heat that is produced by warm-blooded bodies.

Mosquitoes weigh about 2.5 milligrams on average.

The average mosquito takes in about 5-millionths of a liter of blood during feeding.

Mosquitoes find hosts by sight (they observe movement); by detecting infra-red radiation emitted by warm bodies; and by chemical signals (smell) at distances of 25 to 35 meters.

Mosquitoes fly an estimated 1 to 1.5 miles per hour.

Salt marsh mosquitoes can migrate up to 40 miles to feed.

Bigger people are often more attractive to mosquitoes because they are larger targets and they produce more mosquito attractants, namely CO2 and lactic acid.

Women are usually more attractive to mosquitoes than men because of the difference in hormones produced by the sexes.

Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes.

CDC 2006 West Nile Virus map of infections

Since the introduction of West Nile Encephalitis into the US, there have been nearly 6,000 humans infected with the virus, of which 557 cases have been fatal.

West Nile Virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. In recent years, West Nile virus has emerged in North America, presenting a threat to humans, birds, horses and some other mammals. The virus generally produces flu like symptoms. However, the most serious manifestation of West Nile virus infection causes fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses, as well as mortality in certain domestic and wild birds.

In 2003 alone, 9388 West Nile cases and 246 deaths were reported to the Center of Disease Control. CDC statistics revealed 6452 cases (69%) were reported as West Nile fever (milder disease), 2773 (30%) were reported as West Nile meningitis or encephalitis (neuroinvasive disease) and 163 (2%) were clinically unspecified. Source: Centers for Disease Control

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds that have high levels of the disease in their blood. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit the virus when they feed on humans or other animals. Currently, there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection or vaccine to prevent it.

Because it is virtually impossible to never be bitten by one of these pesky suckers, you need to know how to best treat a mosquito bite. Here are a few tips.

To treat the affected area properly, first wash the area with soap and water.

Try to avoid scratching the bitten area. Even though it will itch, scratching can cause skin to break and you risk other factors such as infection.

If itching persists, apply a topical ointment such as Calamine lotion or another over-the-counter cream.

Seek medical attention immediately if you begin to feel nauseated or dizzy. This may be an indication of a severe allergic reaction.